Category Archives: Thought Leadership Series

Going Big. Releasing Fear & Becoming Your True Design Self | 390 | Anne Rainey Rokahr

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation about going big. Going big with the design, go big with the business, big furnishings, the color selection and why not, after all we only get one chance to play the game of life. So go big, here’s how.

There is a difference between going big and strategically maximizing every potential opportunity. Anne Rainey Rokahr is doing just that from her home base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Rokahr is unapologetically fancy, maximalist, playful in her design and loves to manipulate color, fabric, accessories to wield a new look that shocks the senses and calms the soul. How can one do both simultaneously? Keep listening. We’ll be back in just a moment.

BOOKLOOK: John McClain Book – The Designer Within 

I received another surprise in the mail a few weeks ago and I have been consuming and absorbing the contents since. The new book called, The Designer Within, A Professional Guide to a Well-Styled Home, by designer John McClain arrived and I am going to tell you why this book should be on your shelves. Let me first start by saying that I consider John a friend. I have known him since 2010. John and I reconnected through the show and he was a guest years ago, episode 217 for those playing the home game and there is a link to that episode in the show notes. Here is what I said about John at the time… 

“Some designers have a signature look while others practice a signature process. Designer John McClain is a blender and bender of styles to achieve unique and unforgettable looks. John is bi-coastal with offices in Florida and California. His signature style really is in his approach which makes him truly unique and worthy of watching. I believe in the art forms that are design and architecture. When speaking with a designer like John, I am in my element because I can ask questions that might get a sideways look from another designer. I ask questions like these to break the information down into small bites, then rebuild a concept so the non-designer can understand it. I really enjoyed my chat with John. He knows the look he is trying to achieve which enables him to experiment a bit more and to me, that is where design gets really exciting.”

So, when John writes a book about design, it’s built on a strong foundation and he’s not just showing you his work, but explaining how it’s done with crafted experience and a look that is both personal and well-styled. 

This is not a picture book that simply shows off expensive design of the ultra-wealthy. It is a thoughtful exploration into the techniques and strategies of what makes design work and how to utilize the fundamentals to make your style look well-styled and effortless.  Who doesn’t want that. There is a link to get the book in the show notes as well. 

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

Thank you, Anne. Loved our conversation. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and why you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

Artisan, Craftsman, Architect & The Power of Creativity | 387 | Darrell Wilson

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with the kind of architect you love to hear from and I love speaking with, both craftsman and creator. What’s the difference?

Years ago on the show, you heard from a friend and former high school classmate, now amazing chef and restauranteur, Steve Samson. He explained to us that he did not consider himself an artist, but a craftsman. He wasn’t interested in creating new dishes but instead, wanted to take his customer back to Italy with a regional focus. He wanted his food to make you feel the way he did when his grandmother made this for him. Architect Darrell Wilson is a Principal Designer with Mark Weaver & Associates. He is both craftsman in the sense that if a client wants a Hollywood Regency style, he can create an original design with historical accuracy. Wilson can also ideate an original idea for his more adventurous clients influenced by Modern ideas or traditional. There is a big difference between artist and craftsman, there is a huge difference in creatives who can straddle both worlds, Darrell Wilson is one of them. This is another installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol. You are going to hear from Darrell, right after this.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

Thank you Darrell. I appreciate the time and, I am in awe of your talent and skill. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and why you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

The Novogratz | 386 | Building a Family Design Empire, One Building Block at a Time

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with one half of The Novogratz, a husband and wife team crafting and cultivating a truly unique design brand. I spoke with Courtney Novogratz about life, family and design, and not necessarily in that order…

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

The Novogratz design brand is just that, a brand with so many offshoots it makes the mind spin. It spins because if you do the math, and I encourage you to do this, listen to all the brand extensions and offshoots in which she and husband Robert engage. If you try to imagine filling all of this into days and weeks, the time doesn’t match the ambition. Between family, travel, the store, the design and developments… Okay, there is a lot packed into the following chat so let’s get to it.

Thank you Courtney. Loved our chat, next time we have to have you and Robert on together. That will be fun.  Thank YOU for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and for your emails. Thank you to CXD partners; ThermaSol, Article, York Wall Coverings, Franz Viewgener and Moya Living for your partnership! Coming up on the show in the next few months…You are going to be hearing episodes showcasing the work done on the 2022 Remote Design House – Tulsa. A project I am extremely proud of and really looking forward to sharing with you. Thanks again for taking part of your busy day to spend with me and the most wonderful designers in the world! Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

A Guide for Navigating the Rapidly Changing Industry Climate and Business Coaching for the Design Community | 382 | Melissa Galt

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with interior design business coach, Melissa Galt. We are talking about the business of design and fame in the family. This one is fun and if you pay close attention, you will learn some strategies for upsizing profits of your design business.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

Seriously, Melissa Galt claims that her superpower is calling you on your BS, and she’ll do it. The fame in her family, as you’ll hear, gives her a unique perspective on the designers who must deal with big personalities. We’ll be right back with design business coach, Melissa Galt.

Thank you Melissa. I enjoyed our conversation and really appreciate the time.  And thank YOU for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and for your emails. Its Summer in 2022 and travel is in full swing so you are going to be hearing episodes of the show from New York, Texas and LA events in the coming weeks and months. You are also going to be hearing episodes showcasing the work done on the 2022 Remote Design House – Tulsa. A project I am extremely proud of and really looking forward to sharing with you. The first two episodes are coming featuring designers Gail Davis and John McClain. I think you’re going to LOVE this! Thanks again for taking part of your busy day to spend with me and the most wonderful designers in the world! Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

The Pivot | 381 | Making the Moves That Positively Affect You, Your Design Career, Life and Wellbeing

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Pivot – piv-ot /pivet/ verb – : a usually marked change especially : an adjustment or modification made (as to a product, service, or strategy) in order to adapt or improve

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation that touches issues on the minds of just about every working designer and architect today. We’re talking about the pivot.

You know, the pivot that we have all been forced to make. It’s different for everyone but as times and issues keep changing from minute to minute, we find ourselves looking for ways to change how we work to make the work change for us. Okay, follow me. The business of design has changed now that it takes 12 months to get that sofa and 18 months for some appliances. Everything has and continues to change and I wanted to hear how some in the business are addressing that change. So, for the next hour, you will be hearing from Terra McNutt with RI Studio in Dallas, Kristin with Kozy Kasa Design in Austin and Veronica Ferro with VF Interiors in Chicago. You are going to hear about three very different yet remarkably similar approaches to the business of design. Similar in that they all do what’s needed to get the job done in their unique and fabulous ways, yet they each go about it with a different approach and I think, I hope that you will be as fascinated by this as I am. This is The Pivot panel and we’ll get to it, but first, this. 

Thank you Kristin, Veronica and Terra. I am so grateful for you time. Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings, Franz Viegener and Moya Living for your partnership and support. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. 

And, thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast. I know you already know this, but… there are literally hundreds of past episodes of Convo By Design that you probably haven’t heard, especially if you are new to the show, so go check them out. Be well and take today first.

Designing Across America with Purpose, Precision and Intent | 380 | Marissa Stokes

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Welcome back to Convo By Design, I’m Josh Cooperman and this week we are speaking with Marissa Stokes. We are talking about…C’mon, you know what we’re talking about.

I say that half-kidding. Like, yeah we’re talking about interior design, architecture, art and this amazing business of shelter and design. But really, every conversation that I have had, over 300 interviews, 200 panel conversations, hundreds of events, every single one of them are different because each creative is so unique. This week, our conversation with Marissa covers design across the US including projects in California, New York, Montana, New Orleans and South Florida. Marissa earned her BFA in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design and spent time working for Victoria Hagan and Jayne Design Studios before starting on her own design journey. 

Designer Resources 

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

We talk about the work and her journey. We also discuss the current state of design, the business of design and all that that entails. Marissa is a complete designer with artists touch for color and an engineers approach to furniture placement. Her use of space is elegant and efficient as is her approach to the business. You’ll hear all about it, right after this.

Thank you, Marissa, loved our chat. Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings, Franz Viegener and Moya Living for your partnership and support. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. 

And, thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast. I know you already know this, but… there are literally hundreds of past episodes of Convo By Design that you probably haven’t heard, especially if you are new to the show, so go check them out. Be well and take today first.

International Influences in Architecture | 379 | A Conversation about Style from South America to Southern California with Luis Murillo of LMD Architecture Studio

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Hello creatives, If you’re new, welcome, if not, welcome back to Convo By Design. This journey of ours in search of amazing design, architecture, furnishings and art is in its 9th year now and I am so happy that you’re joining me for another episode.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

This week, I’m speaking with Luis Murillo of LMD Architecture Studio. This Bogota, Colombia born architect moved his family to Los Angeles in 1997 and opened his firm in 2010. Luis is the exemplifies the American Dream, or at least what the idea of the American Dream is supposed to represent. South American influence is nothing new to Southern California. It takes a special architect to not just understand space, time and place. But honor all three when you have both historical significance and arguable the world’s greatest canvas upon which to work. Luis respects the past and allows his upbringing in Columbia and love for space to guide his design regardless of style, traditional, mid-century or modern. The art takes first chair.

My hope is that by introducing you to new talent, it will influence your work. It will allow you to strive for greatness and perhaps think about your own work differently. This is architect, Luis Murillo.

Thank you, Luis. Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegener and Moya Living for your partnership and support. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. 

And, thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast. I know you already know this, but… there are literally hundreds of past episodes of Convo By Design that you probably haven’t heard, especially if you are new to the show, so go check them out. Be well and take today first.

The Collectors | 373 | A Deep Dive into Designing for Highly-Curated Collections and the Spaces that House Them for the People Who Love Them

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversations from WestEdge Design Fair, circa 2019 that I have been holding onto for a number of reason, not the least of which is that with everything that has been happening, talking about designing around collected things seemed off to me. But now, let’s get back to collecting, shall we…

Seriously, with the office/ classroom/ yoga studio and trying to make those things work, it seemed a little tone deaf to try and talk passionately about designing around collected things. But the time is right again to start thinking about these things again.Collections make us happy. And in 2019, as I was crafting panels for WestEdge in the Convo by Design Programming Lounge, here was the inspiration.

The Collectors: Collected Clutter Made Impeccably Designed Collections

Many if not most of us have gathered and keep “treasures.” These collections represent the curiosity and vitality of life adventures and are, at least we hope, to be incorporated into our living spaces. Today’s ensemble of creatives have achieved mastery incorporating treasures into the design of their clients’ dreams. Learn strategies that make for a smoother process when showcasing collections.

Moderated by: George Smart, Host of US Modernist Radio
Featuring: Kevin Isbell, Kevin Isbell Interiors; Laura Muller, Four Point Design Build;  Jules Wilson, Jules Wilson Design Studio

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

Thank you George, Kevin, Laura and Jules. I loved this!

And, thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast. I know you already know this, but… there are literally hundreds of past episodes of Convo By Design that you probably haven’t heard, especially if you are new to the show, so go check them out. 

Remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week. Be well and take today first.

Small Space, Big Style | 370 | Elizabeth Drake, Anthony Laney & Roxanne Packingham

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This is Convo By Design with a look at small spaces and maximum style because it’s time to start looking at exploring space again. That’s right, we are going to look forward at making small spaces popular again. Maybe it was the nook under the stairs that has been a classroom for the past 2 years, or that breakfast area/ yoga studio/ office. How can we make those spaces functional again, as in the original function that didn’t include three slashes and four functions. Let’s get back to singularly stunning design in the multi purpose spaces with a listen to a conversation from 2021, via Zoom, of course and another exploration into small space, big style in the latest installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

A little history first. In 2012, I produced my first design house. A 1400 foot penthouse condo in the heart of Hollywood. 8 designers and some incredible design. I have always had a fondness for small spaces because big spaces and big budgets are great but it is, I would argue as a not-designer, a more simple endeavor. Not “easy” but far more simple. Small spaces take more work, research, planning and attention to detail. Again, I am not a designer, but I have had enough time in conversation with world-class design talent to know a few things, and this idea is one.

So I gathered a group of uber talented creatives to chat with me about this as part of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series, presented by ThermaSol. Here is how I described the conversation to them:

Design tastes chan change over time. Color palette, new materials and lifestyle trends all affect the finished project. What never changes are the limitations placed on creatives by the space available in which to work. Designing in a smaller footprint presents creatives with unique challenges and often forces certain choices and at the same time offers designers an opportunity to test their mettle. This challenge can change the way we think about design, encourage experimentation and open up new possibilities.

The panelists include; Designer, Elizabeth Drake, architect  Anthony Laney and designer Roxanne Packham. We are talking about space and making that space enjoyable once more. We’ll get to that, right after this.

Thank you, Roxanne, Elizabeth and Anthony. You are all fantastic and I appreciate you so much. For more stories like this, make sure you are subscribing to the podcast. You can find the show everywhere you get your favorite podcasts… But, you already knew that. What you might not know, is that there are literally hundreds of other episodes for you to binge on now. Go check them out. 

Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings, Franz Viegener and Moya Living for your partnership and support. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week. Be well and take today first.

Crafting the Bridge that Connects the Design and Business of Design | 369 | Michelle Lynne of ML Interiors Group

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with another installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol featuring a powerful, self-described “late bloomer” in her design career and is making up for lost time, this is Texas based designer, Michelle Lynne. Check out our partners while you listen to the show.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living –  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

I kind of feel like we are all “late bloomers” at this point. I am continually adjusting the Convo By Design brand and reforming the way I do business. Because the world is changing very quickly, and “Life moves pretty fast…If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Yes, for those playing the home game, that was a Ferris Bueller quote. Not sorry. It’s true. 

Michele Lynne is a perfect example and if you find yourself wondering what your next move is, listen to this from Michelle. She gets it, she did it and the point here is this. It isn’t a point to point excursion, it’s a journey of creative self-discovery. In addition to the design biz, she also trains designers about running their own business. The MLG Experience is something she is passionate about and will share the ideas behind it with you as well. We are also going to talk about her work in Dallas and beyond. Enjoy this conversation with Michelle Lynne of ML Interiors Group, the latest installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series, presented by ThermaSol. You’ll hear from Michelle in just a moment, but first, this.

Thank you, Michelle. For more stories like this, make sure you are subscribing to the podcast. You can find the show everywhere you get your favorite podcasts… But, you already knew that. What you might not know, is that there are literally hundreds of other episodes for you to binge on now. Go check them out. 

Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegener for your partnership and support. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week. Be well and take today first.